Mumbai: The trailer of Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming crime thriller Daayra has been released, offering a glimpse into a gripping story where truth is not always absolute, justice is viewed differently by different people, and every decision comes with consequences. Produced by Junglee Pictures and Dr Jayantilal Gada’s Pen Studios, the film stars Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the lead roles and is scheduled to hit theatres on September 18, 2026.
Inspired by true events, Daayra follows the aftermath of a crime that sparks widespread public outrage and sets two investigations into motion. As the search for truth progresses, Kareena and Prithviraj play senior police officers who belong to the same system but have sharply contrasting views on duty, justice and accountability.
Written by Yash Keswani, Seema Aggarwal and Meghna Gulzar, the film explores the grey space between right and wrong. The trailer gradually reveals new layers of the case, challenging viewers to reconsider their understanding of truth and justice.
The supporting cast includes Jitendra Joshi, Kshitij Jog, Kanwaljeet Singh, Sandeep Kulkarni and Tripti Khamkar, who add further emotional and dramatic weight to the narrative.
Kareena Kapoor Khan plays DCP Ajuni Kohli, while Prithviraj Sukumaran portrays DCP Raman Kumar. Kareena described working with Gulzar as an experience that encouraged her to constantly rethink her understanding of the character. She said Ajuni stayed with her long after the shoot because the role allowed her to explore a side of herself she had not previously examined deeply. She also praised Prithviraj as a perceptive and fully present actor, describing their collaboration as both effortless and enjoyable.
Prithviraj said Raman Kumar appealed to him because the character’s calm exterior conceals several layers. He noted that the investigation forces Raman to confront questions without easy answers. According to the actor, the film does not dictate a single interpretation of right and wrong, instead allowing audiences to form their own conclusions.
Director Meghna Gulzar said Daayra attempts to explore the “grey area” between right and wrong rather than dividing the world into simple categories. She described the film as a challenging yet fascinating space where characters make difficult choices, live with their consequences and leave audiences to interpret what they witness.
Junglee Pictures CEO Amrita Pandey said the production house has consistently been drawn to stories rooted in real-world experiences. She described Daayra as a sensitive yet powerful crime thriller built around conflicting perspectives, difficult choices and questions of justice. The film marks Junglee Pictures’ first co-production with Pen Studios and their third collaboration with Meghna Gulzar after Talvar and Raazi.
Pen Studios CMD Dr Jayantilal Gada said the film represents cinema’s ability to entertain while encouraging audiences to confront important questions. He praised Gulzar’s sensitive and balanced storytelling and said the combination of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Prithviraj Sukumaran adds significant strength to the film.
Distributed by Pen Marudhar, Daayra will release exclusively in cinemas on September 18, 2026.
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